1954 Topps 1-50 Rare Complete Set Of Canadian Gray Backs-The Only Known Complete Collection In The Hobby!

“In 1954 Topps stuck the dagger in the heart of Bowman . . . and twisted the knife.”

The year 1954 remains one of the most significant in sports collecting history. After Topps debut set shook the foundations of Bowman’s baseball operations in 1952, Bowman moved quickly to counter the invaders, seeking to take back their portion of the sports collecting world. The result was an incredibly expensive, well produced, beautifully photographed 1953 Bowman Color Baseball set. Unfortunately for Bowman, Topps 1953 illustrated set scored incredibly well with collectors and baseball fans as well, putting Bowman on the ropes.

While Bowman’s 1953 Color set was critically acclaimed and indeed popular, it was a financial disaster. Bowman executives believed their amazing color set would strike a killing blow to Topps. Instead, it only served to escalate the trading card war, leaving Bowman underfunded and “on the ropes.” In 1954, Topps responded with a brilliant, colorful, well designed set, featuring a color player head shot and a black & white action shot, captivating the masses and providing them they type of design they wanted. Bowman, financially crippled, released a poorly printed, boringly designed set printed on a dull inferior stock. Bowman would fight one more strong battle with its beloved “Color TV” set, but the war was over. Topps designs just kept getting better. Topps outsold Bowman for the third consecutive year. The writing was on the wall -- kids and collectors had given up on what Bowman had to sell.

The Only Known 1954 Topps Canadian Set In The Hobby

While the baseball card war was being fought in the states, Topps sent a salvo into Canada in 1954 that would eventually pay substantial dividends. The company released a Canadian set consisting of the first 50 cards in the standard U.S. set with the only difference being a gray-backed card rather than a white-backed card.

To date, only one complete, graded 1954 Topps Canadian set exists within the hobby and Goodwin & Company is proud to offer it for sale at auction for the very first time. Each of the encapsulated antiquities provide a special opportunity for the advanced collector. Rarely are you presented with the chance to own a complete set of a landmark offering which is a true one-of-one within the hobby.

Beyond the fact this is the only 1954 Topps Canadian set on record, the set also serves as a celebration of sorts. 1954 marked the return of Ted Williams to baseball after his second tour of military duty. The inaugural card of the set, card number one, is none other than Ted Williams. The card remains one of Williams most popular issues and underscores the importance Topps placed upon the Splendid Splinter.

A Rare Opportunity-Contact Us With Questions

We welcome inquiries about this one-of-kind set. Feel free to call or e-mail with any questions or if you would like to arrange a personal showing.